Laura Bicker, BBC’s China correspondent, and Cindy Yu, host of the Spectator’s Chinese Whispers, dive into the escalating trade war between the U.S. and China. They analyze Trump's tariffs and China's strategic responses, exploring how the tension shapes global economic dynamics. Joining them is Ben Westhoff, investigative journalist discussing the opioid crisis, linking it to political decisions like tariffs. Together, they unveil the intricate web of trade, politics, and the pressing need for solutions to the addiction epidemic.
32:43
forum Ask episode
web_stories AI Snips
view_agenda Chapters
menu_book Books
auto_awesome Transcript
info_circle Episode notes
insights INSIGHT
China's Targeted Retaliation
China retaliated with targeted tariffs on specific US goods, unlike the US's broader approach.
This targeted response may be a strategic move, allowing room for negotiation while signaling resolve.
insights INSIGHT
China's Prepared Strategy
China's quick response suggests a pre-planned strategy, anticipating Trump's actions.
They likely have additional measures if Trump escalates the trade war.
insights INSIGHT
China's Economic Landscape
The current Chinese economy is more self-reliant due to past trade wars.
However, slower post-pandemic growth might limit China's retaliation options.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
How Rogue Chemists Are Creating the Deadliest Wave of the Opioid Epidemic
Ben Westhoff
In this book, Ben Westhoff conducts a four-year investigation into the world of synthetic drugs, from black market drug factories in China to users and dealers on the streets of the U.S. and harm reduction activists in Europe. The book reveals the origins and spread of Fentanyl, including its initial development by Belgian chemist Paul Janssen in 1959, and how it has evolved into a lethal synthetic opioid. Westhoff's research involves undercover infiltration of Chinese drug operations, analysis of darknet marketplaces, and interviews with various stakeholders, including police officers, politicians, and drug users. The book highlights the global drug addiction crisis, the challenges of harm-reduction initiatives, and the ongoing efforts to combat the Fentanyl trafficking network.
Today, we look at what could be the start of a trade war between the US and China.
After postponing tariffs on Canada and Mexico, President Trump has introduced a 10% tax on all goods imports from China. Early this morning Beijing announced it would impose a retaliatory 10% levy, albeit on fewer products.
Adam is joined by Laura Bicker, the BBC’s China Correspondent and Cindy Yu from the Spectator’s Chinese Whispers podcast.
Plus, Adam speaks to journalist Ben Westhoff about the fentanyl crisis in America and why President Trump had cited it as the reason behind raising taxes on Mexican, Canadian and Chinese goods.
You can now listen to Newscast on a smart speaker. If you want to listen, just say "Ask BBC Sounds to play Newscast”. It works on most smart speakers.
You can join our Newscast online community here: https://tinyurl.com/newscastcommunityhere
Newscast brings you daily analysis of the latest political news stories from the BBC. It was presented by Adam Fleming. It was made by Jack Maclaren with Anna Harris and Shiler Mahmoudi. The technical producer was Stephen Bailey. The assistant editor is Chris Gray. The editor is Sam Bonham.
Newscast 
